Key takeaways from Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid
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The Reds dominated the Spanish giants and looked a constant threat throughout the 90 minutes, only denied more goals by the Belgian shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois, who saves his best performances for his games against Liverpool.Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 | Carl Recine/GettyImagesThere were many takeaways from the match and mainly positive ones at that, with the new man, Florian Wirtz, looking like he has found the role that suits him to a tee.Wirtz’s Free RoleFlorian Wirtz started his 10th game of the season, with the German putting in his best performance to date. He had the freedom in the attacking phase of play; he started out on the left of the 3 supporting Hugo Ekitike and looked extremely comfortable in the new role.Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 | Michael Regan/GettyImagesHis ability to find little pockets of space make him so dangerous for defenders, especially when you also take into context his one touch and linkup ability.
While Mac Allister brings a control to the LFC midfield, something none of the other midfield options can do to his level, Gravenberch is the screen and engine in the pivot.Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImagesBoth have unbelievable quality on the ball and bring something different to the other. It looks as if there are two main reasons for this uptick in defensive form, Conor Bradley’s continued run in the team and Andy Robertson's return to the starting XI.Liverpool FC v Real Madrid C.F. - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 | Richard Sellers/Allstar/GettyImagesIn my opinion, the man of the match was Conor Bradley, who locked up Vinicius Jr. and looked like he was playing against lower league opposition with the way he dealt with the Brazilian’s antics.
His 1v1 defending has always been a strong asset of his game, but on Tuesday night looked as if he’d reached another level of quality in his abilities up against a winger. The Scotland captain has looked close to his former self in the last two games, his relentless energy and underrated quality with the ball was on show for all to see.